CHAMPIONS Invicta Dynamos start the defence of their English National Hockey League crown on Saturday but the squad is not in the best of shape.

Work commitments mean a short bench with Peter Beerling, Andy Martin and possibly Peter Korff unavailable, while a fourth defenceman Bernie Bradford has left the club. The new signing had been travelling down from Peterborough to play but has found it too gruelling.

Invicta are on the road both nights in a busy weekend of league and Premier Cup action.

First up is a trip to Peterborough Islanders, without a win in five in the league. They then face Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday as the Mos look to secure their first points in the higher-league competition.

Coach Kevin Parrish said: "Stuart Low is a doubt as he’s cracked his elbow bone and we’re waiting to see if Anthony Lennon’s ban is upheld after the linesman called a 5+ game on him for high-sticks.

"So I only have three defencemen available at the moment. If worst comes to worst I may have to put on the skates myself for the first time since Slough away last year.

"Bernie will probably start playing for Peterborough again but not this weekend against us as I have not released him yet. Despite our problems, I believe we have the strength and depth to carry us through."

Last weekend, Invicta wrapped up their League Cup group campaign with a 6-1 win at Streatham Redskins to top the table.

Player-of-the-match Andy Smith (2+2) gave the visitors the perfect start after just 28 seconds and rounded off the scoring in the second period, again after good work from Donald Gagnon.

There were also goals for Beerling (1+0), Alex Shaw (1+0), Peter Carey (1+1) and Gagnon (1+3).